Producing

ON AIR PROMOTIONS has always been one of my favorite projects. It’s been a great experience to be able to capture stories about why people are passionate about public broadcasting. And it’s almost always given me the opportunity to be be very creative in expressing their passion for public TV.

Blue Ribbon Readers Image Spot: This spot was created because of a grant from The Corporation For Public Broadcasting and won an award for its content. It portrays the work of a teacher in Sykesville, PA, who is using technology in the classroom and partnering with WPSU to bring the “World into her classroom,” for her students. Video courtesy of WPSU, Penn State. Producer/Director: Whitney Chirdon

American Graduate Day Image Spots: The Corporation For Public Broadcasting awarded us a grant to produce several image spots celebrating the exceptional work of individuals and groups who help local youth stay on track to college and career success. I chose to spotlight three people in the WPSU-TV viewing area who are helping kids stay in school until graduation: Ryan Devlin of Brockway, Jefferson County; Ann Mead of Warren County and Danielle Yoder of Penns Valley, Centre County. Video courtesy of WPSU, Penn State. Producer/Director: Whitney Chirdon

Protect My Public Media: As state and federal funding for public broadcasting became tenuous (let’s face it, when isn’t it) in 2013, I applied and was awarded a grant to highlight some of the programs making an impact in our area. I decided to feature the “Our Town” series, “Why We Dance: The Story of THON,” and “Conversations LIVE.” Video courtesy of WPSU, Penn State. Producer/Director: Whitney Chirdon

Sizzle Reel 2013: To highlight our local programming and some of the national PBS programming in 2013, I produced and edited a sizzle reel to excite viewers about the great work WPSU does for our communities. Video courtesy of WPSU, Penn State. Producer/Director: Whitney Chirdon

On the EMMY Award-winning Music From Penn State “Music Theatre Spotlight” series, WPSU features the talent of the seniors of Penn State’s Music Theatre program in a music review. The studios are transformed into a cabaret setting and the program is shot live-to-tape, edited and broadcast on WPSU and other PBS stations.

As associate producer, stage manager, and emcee for the past 9 years of the series, I’ve contributed to set design, pre-production planning, conducted field shoot interviews, consulted on wardrobe for talent, and assisted with post-production.Video courtesy of WPSU, Penn State. Producer/Director: Jeffrey A. Hughes, Associate Producer: Whitney Chirdon

On Conversations LIVE Patty Satalia and guest experts discuss local and national issues as they take your questions. During the 60-minute program, we will take phone calls, emails, and questions via twitter. Public broadcasting gives the audience an opportunity to help shape the content with this monthly call-in program.

Conversations Live has been one of my favorite studio shows to produce. Writing, researching, booking guests and producing/directing the LIVE call-in show is always fun. For more on Conversations LIVE, visit wpsu.org/conversationslive Video courtesy of WPSU, Penn State. Producer/Director: Whitney Chirdon

The OUR TOWN series was born in 1996 when our programming director thought that our rural viewers had some great stories to share and that they would be lost if WPSU (then WPSX) would not be there to capture and share them. And it would be a great idea to partner with the communities and train them to tell their stories visually thru video.When I became the producer, I revitalized the series, increased number of episodes produced, and reduced production budget while increasing fundraising response and enhancing community engagement. I also trained other PBS member stations how to produce their own versions of the series, presenting webinars, visiting stations, and hosting sessions at annual PBS conferences.

I took over the series in 2009. I made several changes to help increase efficiency and community engagement. I’ve also begun working with other PBS stations to help them get similar programs started at their own stations. Video courtesy of WPSU, Penn State. Producer/Director: Whitney Chirdon

AFTER ABBEY was created because I spent every single Monday morning running through the details of the previous evening’s episode of “Downton Abbey” with my favorite co-workers. Finally, I jokingly told my husband (who also works with me) that we should have a post-Downton show like the post-“Walking Dead” show, “Talking Dead” hosted by Chris Hardwick. Funny, he didn’t laugh. And “After Abbey” was born.

On HIGHER EDUCATION IN FOCUS Penn State President Eric Barron and WPSU’s Patty Satalia welcome guest experts to discuss issues in higher education. The 30-minute program features leaders from Penn State and the larger community. This is a series I produce and direct for Penn State Public Media/WPSU. “Higher Education in Focus,” also airs on PBS member stations WITF in Harrisburg and WQLN in Erie. I developed this program after producing former Penn State President, Graham Spanier’s, live TV and radio program for nine years.

The second episode of GLOBAL PENN STATE showcases faculty, staff and students working beyond borders, proving that education and research must be conducted on a global level. I produced this magazine-style program, which aired on WPSU-TV and on the Big Ten Network, as well as online.